Deshawn Miles, a 19-year-old from Los Angeles, California, tragically lost his life on July 17, 2014. The incident occurred in the early hours outside a 7-Eleven located on Sepulveda Boulevard, on the border of Van Nuys and Panorama City. Deshawn, along with 22-year-old Maron States, was involved in a brief confrontation with two men. This altercation quickly escalated when the two men pulled out a gun and opened fire.
Deshawn and Maron were both pronounced dead at the scene, while a third man in his 50s sustained injuries but survived.
The investigation into Deshawn's death led to the identification of 29-year-old Angel Santana as a primary suspect. Santana, a known gang member, was described as armed and dangerous. His distinctive appearance, notably having only one eye, played a crucial role in his identification and subsequent arrest. On August 4, 2014, following a tip-off, Santana was apprehended at a motel in North Hills. He was booked on suspicion of murder and held on a $1 million bail. The police continued to search for a second suspect involved in the shooting, but no further details were immediately available.
The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the involvement of gang members. The Los Angeles Police Department's Mission Homicide Unit spearheaded the investigation, urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Despite the arrest of Santana, the investigation remained active as authorities sought to identify and apprehend the second shooter. The community's response highlighted the ongoing issues of gang violence and the impact it has on young lives like Deshawn's.
